Definition

1. Verb (archaic, formal):
   • To give birth: The traditional and now largely archaic term "lâm bồn" refers specifically to the act of a woman delivering a baby or being in childbirth. It is a formal, literary term.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sản phụ đang lâm bồn trong phòng sinh. (The parturient woman is giving birth in the delivery room.)
  • Theo sử sách, hoàng hậu đã lâm bồn hạ sinh một hoàng tử. (According to historical records, the queen gave birth to a prince.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is considered old-fashioned and is primarily found in historical, literary, or very formal contexts. In modern everyday speech, terms like "sinh con" or "đẻ" are used instead.

Variants and Related Words

• Sinh con (v): to give birth (modern, common term).
  • Cô ấy sẽ sinh con vào tháng tới. (She will give birth next month.)
• Đẻ (v): to deliver, to have a baby (colloquial, direct term).
  • Chị tôi mới đẻ một bé gái. (My sister just had a baby girl.)
• Ở cữ (v): to observe postpartum confinement (the period after giving birth).
  • Sau khi lâm bồn, người mẹ thường ở cữ. (After giving birth, the mother usually observes postpartum confinement.)

Synonyms

• To give birth: to bring forth a child.
• To deliver: to assist in or undergo childbirth.
• To be in labor: to be in the process of giving birth.

Notes on Usage

• "Lâm bồn" is an archaic verb. Its direct translation is "to approach/enter the birthing bed," reflecting traditional childbirth practices. It is important to recognize this term in historical texts but to use modern synonyms in contemporary speech and writing.